Wrestling Icons Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Join Congress Ahead of Haryana Elections

Former wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress party ahead of the Haryana assembly elections. The party has fielded Phogat from the Julana seat. The elections will take place on October 5, and the results will be announced on October 8.

In a significant development ahead of the Haryana assembly elections, the Congress has fielded former wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Julana constituency. Phogat's candidacy was confirmed as the party released its first list of 31 candidates.

Deepak Babaria, AICC in-charge of Haryana, had earlier indicated that Phogat would run from Julana. Addressing speculation, he stated, "I think it has been decided that she will contest from Julana." He also noted that no current Members of Parliament would be allowed to contest in the assembly elections. Concerning potential alliances with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Babaria mentioned that no progress had been made yet, and discussions were ongoing.

In a bolster to its ranks, Congress welcomed Olympians Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat into the party. Both wrestlers joined in the presence of senior Congress leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Pawan Khera. Vinesh Phogat shared her commitment to continue fighting for justice over sexual harassment allegations against former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, emphasizing Congress's support for women.

The Haryana assembly elections will take place on October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8. The wrestlers resigned from their positions with Northern Railways before their political plunge. Bajrang Punia, who won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, has been named working president of Kisan Congress.

Vinesh Phogat, who recently retired after a disqualification at the Paris Olympic Games, expressed her pride in joining a party that stands up for women, stating, "When we were being dragged on the road, all parties except the BJP were with us. I feel proud that I have joined a party which stands with women and is ready to fight from 'sadak to sansad'."

(With inputs from agencies.)